Meet our August Change for Good Partner - Ashland Schools Foundation

August's Change for Good partner is a perfect fit for this month as our kids head back to school. Ashland Schools Foundation (ASF) is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting quality education in Ashland's public schools. You may have run in the Monster Dash or noticed the "Perk Up for Students" sign at our local coffeeshops - these are just some of the (fun and delicious) ways you are already supporting ASF.

Founded in 1989, ASF has donated over $9 million to support and enrich education right here in Ashland. Their mission is to enrich quality education in Ashland's public schools by raising funds in the community. But those words become action, real difference - like funding for after-school tutoring, teacher professional development opportunities, classroom enrichment, and even emergency assistance for teachers impacted by the 2020 Almeda Fire.

Year after year, ASF directly grants money to teachers and staff with grants to support funding for creative and innovative classroom projects. During the 2024–2025 school year, these include everything from music and art supplies to STEM/STEAM kits to social-emotional learning tools - the kind of extras that keep students on track and eager to learn.

Want to know where all those dollars are going? View the entire list of grants awarded this year.

Mark your calendars - Monster Dash is on Saturday, October 25th! This fun run and fundraiser invites runners, walkers, and costume lovers of all ages to put on their sneakers (or claws) and make a difference. Proceeds go directly back to ASF's classroom grant programs and there might not be a more fun way to support a good cause! Registration opens soon so stay tuned...

Throughout the entire month, you can create Change for Good by rounding up your in-store purchase at checkout to support ASF's important work. All those pennies add up to bring more resources to our classrooms and additional assistance to our incredible local teachers.

More Co-op News

Disability Pride Month

Disability Pride Month, first celebrated in 1990, commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This landmark legislation prohibits discrimination based on disability and ensures equal opportunities in all areas of public life. Disability Pride Month promotes visibility and mainstream awareness of the positive pride felt by people with disabilities.

July Change for Good Partner: Peace House

Meet our July Change for Good partner - Peace House! This incredible organization has been a cornerstone of our community, dedicated to building a culture of peace through compassionate actions that support human rights and justice for all.

About Peace House

Peace House has a broad and impactful mission. Their work spans several critical areas, including:

Co-op, Community and Coffee

We are thrilled to announce that the Ashland Food Co-op has purchased the Rogue Valley Roasting Company (RoCo) from longtime owner, Dustin Way.

A Closer Look at Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo has become synonymous with festivities and delicious Mexican cuisine (and who doesn’t love both of those things?). At the Ashland Food Co-op, it's important for us to approach this celebration mindfully and with a cultural understanding.

March Change for Good: KS Wild

As we step into March, we are thrilled to introduce our Change for Good partner – KS Wild, an organization dedicated to preserving the breathtaking landscapes of Southern Oregon. At the heart of our community lies a shared commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, making KS Wild the perfect ally in our ongoing quest for positive change.

What is KS Wild?

February Change for Good Partner: Rogue Climate

As we navigate the challenges posed by climate change, it becomes increasingly vital to support organizations dedicated to creating positive environmental impacts. This February, Ashland Food Co-op proudly introduces Rogue Climate as its Change for Good partner. Join us in supporting their mission to empower Southern Oregon communities most affected by climate change.

January Change for Good: AHS Culinary Arts Program

Hey Co-op community!

As we step into the new year, the Ashland Food Co-op is excited to continue our Change for Good program, and for January 2024, we're shining a spotlight on a program that's close to our hearts (and our stomachs) - the Ashland High School Culinary Arts Program.

November Change for Good: Rogue Food Unites

Say hello to our November Change for Good partner - Rogue Food Unites!

Rogue Food Unites (RFU) uses food to heal individuals and communities during times of crisis. RFU was formed in 2020 out of the dual disasters of the Almeda and Obenchain fires and the impacts of COVID-19 on local communities. Within a short time, RFU began contracting with the State of Oregon to supply hot meals, food boxes, and solidarity cards in Deschutes, Douglas, Klamath, Josephine, and Jackson Counties. 

Meet Nick Hardee, AFC's new GM!

The Co-op Board of Directors and staff are thrilled to welcome Nick Hardee as the new General Manager of the Ashland Food Co-op! We asked Nick to share a little bit about himself so we'll get right to it!